Hodie Christus natus est, Giovanni Bassano (ca. 1558-1617)Today Christ is born:
Today the Savior appeared:
Today on Earth the Angels sing,
Archangels rejoice:
Today the righteous rejoice, saying:
Glory to God in the highest.
Alleluia.Ein kind geborn zu Bethlehem, Michael Praetorius (ca. 1571-1621)A child is born at Bethlehem for whom Jerusalem rejoices. Alleluia,He lies here in the manger who reigns eternally. Rejoice in the Lord. AlleluiaThe ox and the donkey recognize that the child is the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord. AlleluiaThe kings come from Sheba, they bring gold, incense and myrrh. Rejoice in the Lord. AlleluiaIn this Christmas season may God be praised for ever. Rejoice in the Lord. AlleluiaWe praise the Holy Trinity from now to eternity. Rejoice in the Lord. Alleluia
The serpent could not poison Him, as His blood is without sin. Alleluia.He is like us in flesh, but we are not the same in sin. Alleluia.Thus he will make us like Him in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Alleluia.For such a grace, let us give eternal praise to God. Alleluia.Praise be to the Holy Trinity, now and throughout eternity. Alleluia.

Dulces Voces

Hark! The herald angels sing, Hymnal #87Angels we have heard on high, Hymnal #96Congregation, Dulces Voces, and Lincoln Early Music Consort

O magnum mysterium, Estêvão Lopes Morago (ca. 1575-1630)O great mystery
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord
lying in a manger!
O blessed is the Virgin, whose womb
was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.
Hail Mary, full of grace: the Lord is with you.
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!Virgen bendita sin par, Pedro de Escobar (ca. 1465-1535)O matchless, blessed Virgin, source of all virtue, you are worthy of praise.
You, holy Empress, destroyed deceit and remedied the evil of sinful people.
You, Lady, want to give the grace of angels so that we may not sin against the one who was pleased to take on human flesh.Oh Reyes Magos benditos, Juan del Encina (1468-1529)Oh blessed Magi! Since you are so beloved of God, be my guard and advocates.
Be my guard on this earth that I may not fall into its snares and my advocates in heaven that I may see you there.
So that through you there may be great pardon for my sins, be my guard and advocates.

Dulces Voces

Verbum caro factum est, Anonymous (16th c.)

For the salvation of us all.
And the Virgin spoke to Him:
Life of my life,
My son, what shall I do,
having nothing in which to dress you?
O you the rich of this world,
will you not give a swaddling cloth
to Jesus, born amidst the beasts
as you may behold?

Loving Mother of the Redeemer, who remains the gate by which we mortals enter heaven,
and star of the sea, help your fallen people who strive to rise:
You who gave birth, amazing nature, to your sacred Creator:
Virgin prior and following, taking from the mouth of Gabriel that Hail! have mercy on our sins.

Dulces Voces

In the bleak midwinter, Hymnal #112Love came down at Christmas, Hymnal #84Congregation, Dulces Voces, and Lincoln Early Music Consort